I tested the best mattress toppers of 2024 for comfort and sleep quality – here’s what I discovered.
After trying them all out, here’s which ones I liked, ranked!
- Overall Best Pick: Dosaze DreamAlign Comfort Pro Mattress Topper
- Runner Up: Helix GlacioTex
- Luxury Pick: Avocado Alpaca Wool Topper
- Brooklyn Bedding Latex Topper
- Casaluna Feather and Down
- Company Store Down Alternative Topper
- Tuft & Needle Topper
(Check Out the Full Analysis Below)
This article was written in a paid partnership with SBLY.
In-Depth Review and Process
There are a lot of things that contribute to a good night’s sleep. Your pillow, comforter, and sheets are all great, but if there was one foundational element to your bed, it’s, well, your bed! The mattresses we sleep on are usually the most expensive element of our bedroom setups, and they aren’t easy (or cheap) to replace. That’s where mattress toppers come in.
Mattress toppers can turn an old sagging mattress into something brand new and radically more comfortable. Even more, they can be used to extend the life of an existing mattress, even if that mattress isn’t nearing the end of its life. Some reports show that a mattress topper can add 20+ years to an existing mattress!
I went and tested 7 of the best mattress toppers for back pain to see which one was truly the all-around best. My list ranks each one based on a few things:
- Comfort
- Quality
- Technology
- Customer Service
- Value
I didn’t want just any mattress topper—I wanted to find the absolute best option across every category. From how I see it, the best mattress topper out there should improve my sleep and offer a reasonable quality/price ratio. I don’t want to try to pinch pennies when picking something I will be sleeping on for eight hours a night, but I also don’t want to be needlessly extravagant.
My perfect mattress topper should also have some technologies that actually improve my sleep quality. Overall, I want support, comfort, and a high-quality material choice for something I will be sleeping on for hours each night!
The Science: What To Look For In The Best Mattress Topper
There is a lot of science out there that explains what makes for the healthiest and most comfortable sleep, so here’s what I discovered in my research. Looking at studies, reports, and expert reviews, the best mattresses and toppers should have technologies that cover these particular issues:
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Balanced Support
A good mattress topper for should offer balanced support, which is scientifically proven to be the best firmness for extended comfort and potential pain relief.
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Targeted Pressure Zones
Not every part of your body needs the same level of support. Your topper should be supportive where you need it but allow for comfort and relief everywhere else.
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Neutral Alignment
A mattress topper should keep your neck and spine in neutral alignment, helping you wake up restored. This can be done with adjusted or zoned coils or specialized foam.
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Trial + Customer Service
With an investment this big, being able to try it out is important. Also, you want to pick a company well-known for its customer service.
Sleep is half science, half personal experience. As far as the science goes, there are a few things to look out for if you want to have a good night’s sleep:
- Balanced Support
- Targeted Pressure Zones
- Neutral Alignment
- Trial period (to see if it works for you)
So, for any topper I looked at, these were some of the benchmarks that I basically required since doctors and the current data show these things to work the best for overall sleep health.
The Final Winner:
Return policy / warranty
10/10
✓
Was Extremely Comfortable
✓
Loved the zoned foam support
✓
Provided neutral spine alignment
✓
Targeted zone technology
✓
Pressure-point memory foam
✓
3-Year Extended Warranty
After my reviews and testing, I can confidently say that the Dosaze DreamAlign Comfort Pro Mattress Topper came out on top. I was really shocked with how comfortable and supportive this topper was. I used to toss and turn constantly during the night, but this thing kept me in place and helped to support my neck and spine in some transformative ways. Plus, it was just plain comfortable, and I always woke up feeling well-rested!
The Dosaze DreamAlign Comfort Pro Mattress Topper is designed for neutral spine alignment. This essentially means that your spine is always in the right position and not under stress, as is the case with some other mattresses. Dosaze’s website says they use two different types of layer memory foam to make it firmer in the middle and more balanced on the top and bottom. This stops your body from sinking in and your head and legs from bending your spine out of alignment.
(Check out how I put it on my pullout couch for guests!)
Also, the balanced support played a big role in choosing this one as my favorite. The latest science lists spinal alignment and balanced support as key features, and this one had both of them. If a topper is too soft or too hard, it can cause and even worsen back pain and give you headaches. Balanced support is a great medium-ground that is still comfortable while holding strong, a balance that none of the other mattresses seemed to be able to achieve. The Dosaze topper goes so far as to provide different densities of foam to support you where your body needs it most specifically.
For a final “bonus,” the Dosaze topper has a cooling bamboo cover, which is natural and cool-to-the-touch, something many of the other brands didn’t offer.
Altogether, the features, price, and well-regarded customer service just made Dosaze stand out from the other brands. Here is my final pro list:
- One of the most comfortable of the options I tested
- Unbeatable price-to-benefits ratio
- Outstanding customer service history
- 60-Night trial
- Really enhanced my mattress
If you are truly looking for the “best” mattress topper out there and don’t want to sacrifice any technology, benefits, or features, the Dosaze is the best I tested. In my house, we are going to use it for guests (we have a pullout couch, as you can see) and to preserve the life of our existing mattress by putting it on top.
The Casaluna is a mattress topper that is decidedly budget, but does have some decent features to make it a solid value for the price. This topper is feather and down, which is okay in some scenarios, but decidedly not great for anyone with back pain or looking for support. While down does have some plushness to it, in my experience, the Casaluna relied on the mattress under it to provide support. This reliance on the underlying mattress means that it doesn’t offer the independent support needed to main true spinal alignment.
If you don’t already have a great mattress, this means that you aren’t getting the much-needed back support, spinal alignment, and other features that a topper like Dosaze offers. The Casaluna topper might enhance comfort slightly, but it falls short in providing the structural support necessary for those wanting more than just a plush protector. Additionally, some people have a slight allergy to down and feathers, which does limit the pool a bit. This allergenic potential can be a significant drawback for those sensitive to these materials, making it an unsuitable choice for some.
That being said, if you want a relatively inexpensive mattress topper that will make things a little more comfortable, specifically on an older mattress, this is a good option. For those simply looking to add a layer of softness to an existing mattress, the Casaluna can be an affordable solution. However, if you need a topper to specifically address and issues or get radically better sleep, my recommendation is to look elsewhere. There are other products on the market designed with ergonomic support and advanced materials that better cater to those with spinal concerns. So, while the Casaluna offers good value for its price, it may not meet the needs of those seeking therapeutic benefits for their sleep setup.
The Company Store is a well-known brand in the sleep industry, and they have some solid products. This particular mattress topper is plenty comfortable, but like the Casaluna, it just doesn’t address spine alignment or have balanced support in the slightest. It’s essentially just a cushion.
This topper is designed, and even named, after a hotel bed. It accomplishes this feeling well, delivering a luxurious and plush sleeping experience akin to what you might find in a high-end hotel. However, once again, “hotel bed” doesn’t always mean “best bed.” The comfort it provides is more about softness and fluff than actual sleep technology.
Additionally, this is a down alternative, which means it doesn’t use potential allergens like the Casaluna uses. This makes it a good option for those who suffer from allergies or have sensitivities to natural down. However, some people prefer natural materials and fibers, which would mean this poly-fill material doesn’t cut it. Natural material enthusiasts might find the synthetic fill less breathable and less luxurious compared to genuine down or other natural fibers.
Also, it doesn’t have any corner straps, which means it can slide off a mattress a little too easily. This can be a significant drawback, as it requires regular adjustments to keep it in place. The lack of corner straps can lead to a less stable sleep surface, causing frustration for those who move a lot during the night. Despite its comfort, the practicality of this topper is somewhat diminished by these design oversights.
Overall, while The Company Store’s mattress topper offers a comfortable and luxurious feel, it might not be the best choice for those specifically seeking back pain relief or those who prefer natural materials. Its hotel-like comfort is appealing, but the lack of targeted support and corner straps are factors to consider when making your decision.
Brooklyn Bedding did something unique with its topper, but it isn’t going to be ideal for everyone. Brooklyn Bedding specializes in mattresses and also offers some other bedroom products, including this topper. What makes it unique is that it is latex, a material not commonly found in many mattress toppers.
Latex is one of those you-love-it-or-you-hate-it type deals, and many hate it. Latex feels jiggly and squishy, and some people particularly don’t vibe with that. Purple Mattress is famous for its latex products, and they have become a little polarizing as a result. The sensation of latex can be quite distinct, offering a bouncy, resilient feel that contrasts sharply with the more enveloping nature of memory foam.
If you like latex, this is a viable option for you, although it is above the median price regarding our list so far. Overall, this topper has a springy, solid construction that could be good for people who want to feel like they are on top of something rather than sinking into something.
Latex tends to keep you more on top of the mattress, which can be advantageous for those who shift positions frequently during the night. So, while it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, for latex enthusiasts, the Brooklyn Bedding latex topper represents a solid, albeit pricier, choice that stands out in the crowded mattress topper market.
Is this the strangest mattress topper I have ever reviewed? Probably, yes!
The Avocado Alpaca Wool Topper really is what it claims. The inner layer is true alpaca hair, which is then sandwiched between a top and bottom layer of sheep’s wool imported from New Zealand. And, in true Avocado fashion, this mattress topper will cost you $829 for the basic queen-sized version. This price tag alone sets it apart as a premium product, aimed at those looking for something truly unique in their bedding.
To be clear, this is a really novel product. Alpaca wool is famous for its soft qualities, providing a luxurious feel that is hard to match. Sheep’s wool, on the other hand, is equally regarded for its moisture-wicking properties and sustainability, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Together, they create a sustainably sourced product that is extremely unique.
There are two main downsides here. First, alpaca wool tends to sleep a little hot. This, together with the wool, may be negated, but it’s worth noting for those who are particularly sensitive to temperature changes at night. Also, the secondary drawback is the price. As I mentioned, the base product is $829 before tax, but if you want the plush version (a little softer than the original), it’s going to cost an extra $500, bringing the total to $1,329. This hefty price tag is certainly a consideration, as it puts the topper into the realm of luxury purchases.
In my opinion, if you are looking to spend that much on a mattress topper, you should probably just get a brand-new luxury mattress instead. Investing over a thousand dollars into a topper might not be the best financial decision when you could put that money towards an entirely new mattress that includes all the comfort and support you need. While the Avocado Alpaca Wool Topper is undeniably unique and offers some compelling qualities, the cost might outweigh the benefits for many consumers.
Tuft & Needle often has some budget options for people wanting decent bedding, and the standard mattress topper they offer is just that, standard. It costs $250, which is a little below average, but at the end of the day, you aren’t getting a lot for it. While it does provide a basic upgrade to your sleeping surface, it’s not packed with advanced features or benefits that you might find in higher-end options.
I would classify the T&N option more as a mattress pad than a true mattress topper. It’s a single sheet of foam that technically is covered, but overall the topper looks and feels much more like a pad. Mattress pads are usually one layer of foam and can be bought very inexpensively, even on Amazon. That being said, pads don’t have all of the same features and benefits, specifically that of stability (they usually slip off the bed) and quality.
If you just want a single foam layer added to your bed, there are WAY cheaper options out there. For the price of $250, you could find several other products that offer more value, durability, and features. While the Tuft & Needle mattress pad is a budget-friendly option, it doesn’t provide the same level of comfort or stability as more advanced mattress toppers.
If you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive foam layer to enhance your mattress, you might want to explore other alternatives that offer better quality for a lower price.
Helix’s mattress topper offering is one that feels absolutely PACKED with features, making it a standout option in the market. It boasts multiple layers of foam that work together to provide optimal comfort and support, a cooling layer to regulate temperature and ensure a restful night’s sleep, and even real steel micro coils embedded within the mattress topper itself for added durability and support. There are also two options available: a plush version for those who prefer a softer sleeping surface, and a firmer version for those who need more support.
All in all, this is a really solid mattress topper that offers a plethora of features, countless benefits, and a somewhat decent price point, considering all it provides. Right now, it easily holds my number two spot on the list of top mattress toppers. Currently, the queen-sized version of this topper costs $500, which is a few hundred dollars more than my top choice, the Dosaze DreamAlign Mattress Topper, but the features and benefits it offers make it well worth considering for anyone in the market for a high-quality mattress topper.
